LETTERS PATENT

Black’s Law Dictionary 4th Edition, page 706:

Letters patent. Open letters, as distinguished from letters close. An instrument proceeding from the government, and conveying a right, authority, or grant to an individual, as a patent for a tract of land, or for the exclusive right to make and sell a new invention. Familiarly termed a “patent.” International Tooth Crown Co. v. Hanks Dental Ass’n, C.C.N.Y., 111 F. 9

Black’s Law Dictionary 4th Edition, page 1281:

Letters patent. Open letters, as distinguished from letters close. An instrument proceeding from the government, and conveying a right, authority, or grant to an individual, as a patent for a tract of land, or for the exclusive right to make and sell a new invention. Familiarly termed a “patent.” International Tooth Crown Co. v. Hanks Dental Ass’n, C.C.N.Y., 111 F. 918; Ulman v. Thompson, 57 Ind.App. 126, 106 N.E. 611, 613.

Black’s Law Dictionary 7th Edition, page 917:

letters patent. 1. Rist. A document granting some right or privilege, issued under governmental seal but open to public inspection. – Also termed literae patentes (lit-ar-ee pa-ten­ teez). Cf. LETTERS SECRET. 2. A governmental grant of the exclusive right to use an invention or design. See PATENT (2) .